First Successful Workshop Held for Airports on NEPA Implementation

The first of three regional workshops addressing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the new FAA Order 5050.4B was held Aug. 21-23 in Seattle. ACI-NA, ACC, and FAA were organizers for the workshop. Order 5050.4B, the NEPA Implementing Instructions for Airport Projects, was released on April 28, 2006, and became effective immediately.

Over 90 attendees at this inaugural workshop included representatives from airports, consulting companies, and FAA (Headquarters and Regions). An optional NEPA primer the first morning of the workshop provided an overview for those new to the process.

Two days of presentations addressed such topics as the new FAA Order; suggestions for successfully and efficiently completing the NEPA process; NEPA processing choices (CatEx, EA, and EIS); environmental streamlining; and special purpose laws. Active engagement and interactive participation was encouraged, including a case study on the final morning.

Two additional workshops will be held this fall, in October (in the Washington, D.C., area) and then in December (in Dallas/Ft. Worth). Visit the Meetings & Conferences  for the latest details on upcoming workshops.